How do holiday companies get away with no refunds?

Skiff85 · 16 February 2018 at 1:28PM

So I just requested to cancel my holiday, I didn't want to but the person I was going with wanted to so I said I would find out how much it would cost. I'm not naïve, I knew there would be admin fees and as a guide on the website it did state that the flights were not refundable and there would be an admin fee.

They have now emailed me to advise that if I go ahead with the cancellation not only are the flights non refundable, the private transfer we booked is also non-refundable. How do they get away with this? Its not a last minute cancellation, its over 2 months away, how does an airline and a taxi firm justify not giving a refund when they are both likely to resell my space anyway?

I understand that if it was a last minute cancellation the companies involved would potentially lose money through no fault of their own, but they have ample time to fill my seat again. The Hotel is not even charging a cancellation fee, if I booked a seat at the cinema or a restaurant and then cancelled months in advance, they would not refuse me a refund for a service that I will not be receiving.

How are there not laws to protect against this?

gardner1 · 16 February 2018 at 1:31PM

What did it say in t&cs when you booked.......always a danger when booking includes a friend or group booking

Skiff85 · 16 February 2018 at 3:59PM

Well easyjet gives refunds within 48 hours of booking so I assume the terms and conditions state as much, which I am not refuting. I know I'm not going to get that money back, I'm just curious why there is nothing preventing them from doing this.

I want to know is how they can get away with charging you for a service which they know they we are not having. I mean, if I booked a flight 2 years in advance and and cancelled with a year and a half to go, "our terms and conditions state there are no refunds" is not really a valid argument, especially considering its not a physical product and they have ample time to rebook the seat.

Carrot007 · 16 February 2018 at 4:05PM

Presumably to avoid people booking lot's of holiday's they probably can't afford and won't go on they can cancel at the last minute. (2 months is pretty last minute in holidays).

I'm sure if you could provide evidence of a good reason they would refund. And petty disagreements are not a good reason.

This is why you take out insurance. Though change of mind insurance would also be ridiculously high.

jpsartre · 16 February 2018 at 4:24PM

Skiff85 wrote: »

How are there not laws to protect against this?

Protect against what? You booked the cheapest option and agreed to the T&C, you've received exactly the product you purchased. I don't get why there should be a law against this. Flexible products are often available to those who want it and are willing to pay the extra cost.

nomoneytoday · 16 February 2018 at 4:26PM

You can have a cancellable hotel or flight, but it usually won't be the budget one. The airline / hotels charge more for the flexibility, as a trade off.
It allows them to manage rooms, space and staff in advance, as have a closer idea on numbers upfront.

bagand96 · 16 February 2018 at 5:04PM

Its mainly because airline pricing is very complex and prices can vary daily, or even more often than that If they worked on a flat fare basis then you may have a point, but they don't. As another poster said, fully flexible and even refundable fares are available but they would have cost many times what you paid.

Anything you can do to mitigate your losses? Find someone else to go with you? Go on your own?

Unfortunately you agreed to the T&Cs when booking - and that applied to all in your party. Probably not your fault you've been let down by your friend , but it doesn't change the fact.

budgetflyer · 16 February 2018 at 6:16PM

Lastminute. Com offer change your mind insurance

How do holiday companies get away with no refunds?

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